Portrait of a Dagestani woman Print

Shafiya Aslam Ahamed is a self-taught contemporary artist renowned for her vibrant, Fauvist style still life paintings, profoundly influenced by her passion for culture, color, and global travel. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, she holds a First Class Honours BA in Business Management, Leadership, and Human Resources from Northumbria University, UK. Her expressive and dynamic artworks are inspired by the diverse experiences gathered during her extensive travels with her family. Ahamed’s work has been prominently featured on the iconic billboards of Times Square, New York City, and exhibited internationally in Istanbul, London, Athens and Dubai, including a distinguished exhibition at the Museum of the Future. In 2025, she was appointed as Sri Lanka’s ART AMBASSADOR under the patronage of UNESCO and was a finalist in the Portraiture category of the 2023 Teravarna Gallery competition in Los Angeles. Upcoming exhibitions include Paris & Miami. Through her art, Ahamed invites viewers to embark on a visual journey that challenges perceptions and fosters meaningful dialogue. Beyond her studio practice, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters, engaging in family activities such as board games, and embracing her dual roles as mother and educator. Ahamed is deeply committed to nurturing creativity and believes in the transformative power of art to inspire connection and uplift communities.